Newtown Coronavirus Update: 99 Confirmed Cases Reported

NEWTOWN, CT — Newtown's coronavirus lab-confirmed case count jumped up to a total 99 Wednesday, according to the state Department of Public Health.

Connecticut as a whole had 2,109 new positive cases reported Wednesday out of 5,726 test results. There were also 121 coronavirus-related deaths and a net 23 increase of hospitalizations. Gov. Ned Lamont said the high case numbers for the state were due to a backlog of data.

The coronavirus pandemic is also posing some budgetary changes for the town; some expenses are up, but in other cases the town is saving some money.

The town's finances are trending toward a $300,000 to $500,000 surplus for the year, First Selectman Dan Rosenthal reported during the April 20 Board of Selectmen meeting, according to meeting minutes.

The town has spent more money on cleaning supplies and related expenses. Edmond Town Hall is expecting a revenue shortfall of $34,000 due to canceled events.

The Newtown Community Center has waived membership charges for the time being, which will result in a shortfall of about $138,000.

The library is using the in-person down time to do updates like carpet and ceiling work. E-book checkout has grown dramatically. The library's website has been upgraded with a digital-first design.

Town staff is working in split shifts where half of workers work from home and the other half work from the office.

The Board of Education will save about $1 million due to lower transportation and utility costs.

Rosenthal said he doesn't think it would be wise to have any tax increase due to the pandemic unless the public were able to vote on it. He also said he isn't looking to fill vacant positions for the time being because revenue going forward is unknown.